Quantum Thermodynamics and Optomechanics

This thesis demonstrates the potential of two platforms to explore experimentally the emerging field of quantum thermodynamics that has remained mostly theoretical so far. It proposes methods to define and measure work in the quantum regime. The most important part of the thesis focuses on hybrid optomechanical devices, evidencing that they are proper candidates to measure directly the fluctuations of work and the corresponding fluctuation theorem. Such devices could also give rise to the observation of mechanical lasing and cooling, based on mechanisms similar to a heat engine. The final part of the thesis studies how quantum coherence can improve work extraction in superconducting circuits. All the proposals greatly clarify the concept of work since they are based on measurable quantities in state of the art devices.

Nominated as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis by the Université Grenoble Alpes, France Presents outstanding candidate platforms for exploring quantum thermodynamics, particularly direct measurements of work fluctuations Contains numerical simulation results with realistic parameters demonstrating the feasibility of the proposals

Autorentext

Juliette Monsel is a postdoctoral researcher at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. She received her PhD from the University of Grenoble Alpes, France, in 2019.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Thermodynamics of Open Quantum Systems.- Average Thermodynamics of Hybrid Optomechanical Systems.- Stochastic Thermodynamics of Hybrid Optomechanical Systems.- Optomechanical Energy Conversion.- Coherent Quantum Engine.- Conclusion.- Appendix.